Matthew 23: Seven Woes for Religious Leaders

Read Matthew chapter 23

Introduction: Matthew 23 is a compelling chapter in which Jesus confronts the religious leaders of His day for their lack of true faith. They did their good works for people to see, more so than to be faithful and obedient to God, it other words, they served the god of self instead of the one true God. He exposes their hypocrisy and calls them to true righteousness. This chapter should remind  all believers to examine their own hearts and to live with integrity and sincerity before God.

I. Jesus Warns Against Hypocrisy (Matthew 23:1-12)
In these verses, Jesus warns His disciples and the crowds about the religious leaders’ hypocrisy. He criticizes them for preaching to the people, but not practicing what they teach, for seeking honor and recognition, and for burdening people with legalistic rules of the law. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humble service, not from seeking positions of power.
Cross reference verses:

• Luke 11:39-44, where Jesus also criticizes the Pharisees for their outward cleanliness but inward corruption.
• 1 Peter 5:5-6, which emphasizes the importance of humility and God’s promise to exalt the humble.
• James 3:1, which warns teachers that they will be judged more strictly.

II. Seven Woes Pronounced on the Religious Leaders (Matthew 23:13-36)
Jesus pronounces seven woes on the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy, greed, and self righteousness. He accuses them of shutting people out of the kingdom of God, converting people to a false religion with false teaching, and valuing money over justice and mercy. Jesus also condemns their outward appearance of righteousness while being inwardly corrupt and they pretend to honor the prophets in front of the people, while being just like those who killed them.
Cross reference verses:

• Isaiah 29:13, where God condemns those who honor Him with their lips but have hearts far from Him.
• Micah 6:8, which emphasizes the importance of doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
• 1 John 3:18, which encourages believers to love not just in words but in actions and truth.

III. Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39)
In this final verses, Jesus expresses His sorrow over Jerusalem’s rejection of Him. He longs to gather the people to himself, like a hen gathers her chicks, but they are not willing to believe in Him. Jesus prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and declares that they will not see Him again until they acknowledge Him as the Messiah.
Cross-references:

• Luke 13:34-35, where Jesus also laments over Jerusalem and predicts its destruction.
• Psalm 118:26, which is the verse Jesus quotes when He says, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
• Zechariah 12:10, which prophesies that the people of Jerusalem will look on the one they have pierced and mourn.

Conclusion: Matthew 23 challenges  the hearts of all believers to examine their own hearts and to live with righteousness, faith, integrity and sincerity before God. Jesus’ confrontation with the religious leaders (Scribes and Pharisees) serves as a warning against hypocrisy and self righteousness. His call to humble service and His lament over Jerusalem’s lack of faith, shold remind us of the importance of genuine faith and a truly repentant heart.

Cross reference verses:

• Luke 11:39-44
• 1 Peter 5:5-6
• James 3:1
• Isaiah 29:13
• Micah 6:8
• 1 John 3:18
• Luke 13:34-35
• Psalm 118:26
• Zechariah 12:10